Occupational therapy is a vibrant, growing profession that makes it possible for people, young and old, to regain independence and to enjoy life to its fullest. By choosing a career in occupational therapy, you will make a difference and Anoka Technical College can help you get there.
Help people, young and old, regain independence
Hands-on training from industry experts
High-demand career with a 24.4% growth rate
Industry & Career Outlook
Potential Jobs:
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Life Enrichment Coordinator/Activity Director
- Behavior Specialist
Salary Information:
Median Wage: $30.30 per hour
Top Earners: $34.79 per hour
Information provided is for Minnesota. See current data at mn.gov/deed.
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"The best aspects of ATC are the dedicated instructors, the affordability and learning alongside a diverse cohort of students, especially in terms of age."
Other Program Info
ACOTE Accreditation
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Anoka Technical College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 652-AOTA. www.acoteonline.org
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the exam, the individual is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Most states require licensure in order to practice. However, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification exam or attain state licensure.
Application Dates
Application period for fall semester 2026 begins Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 at 9 am.
Admission Guidelines
Steps to Admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program
You must complete all steps of the admissions process to be admitted into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Please read the full explanations below this checklist and review OTA Program Admission Requirements, Timeline.
- Apply to Anoka Technical College and be admitted to the college
- Complete the ACCUPLACER Assessments
- Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI-TEAS)
- Attend mandatory program Information Session. RSVP
- Apply to the OTA Program using the supplemental program application
Once applicants have attended an Information Session, in-person, live via Zoom, or a recorded session (during summer months), applicants will complete a survey. Once the survey is collected, applicants will receive a certificate of attendance, which completes the admission packet. The admission packet can then be submitted to Enrollment Services.You will then complete the college's online orientation and register for classes before the mandatory OTA Program Orientation.
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Info for Current Students
Certification Exam
Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program will be eligible to take the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion, graduates will be Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA).
Most states, including Minnesota, also require licensure in order to practice occupational therapy. However, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to take the NBCOT certification exam or attain state licensure.
Pass Rates on the National Certification Exam
NBCOT pass rates on the Certification Exam can also be accessed at nbcot.org.
Graduation Rates
| Graduation Month/Year |
Students Entering the Program |
Students withdrawing for reasons other than academic performace | Students Graduating | Retention Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2023 |
27 - August 2022 |
6 |
17 |
81% |
| May 2024 |
25 - August 2023 |
3 |
18 |
82% |
| May 2025 |
2 - August 2024 |
3 |
13 |
72% |
| Total | 73 | 12 | 48 | 78% |
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Costs*
| Current Cost | OTA Program 2025 (Year-1) | OTA Program 2026 (Year-2) | Total Cost of Program (2-year program 2025-2026) |
| Tuition including Distance Education tuition (including student fees) 71 credits total 56 OTA credits 15 General education credits |
In-person courses 29 credits) @ $217.70 = $6,313.40 Online courses (0 credits) Total OTA tuition = $6,313 General education courses (15 credits) offer multiple formats. |
In-person courses (22 credits) @ $217.70 = $4,790.00 Online courses (2 credits @ $228.13 = $457.00) Total OTA tuition = $5,247.00 |
$11,560 Plus 15 additional General Education credit costs depending on format taken. 15 online credits for General Education=$3,421.95 15 in-person credits for General Education =$3,265.50 |
| Course Fees | $255 | $307 | $557 |
| Books, Supplies and Professional Memberships | $1900 books/supplies including memberships | $450 books, including memberships | $2,350 |
| Loan Fees |
$70 |
$70 |
$140
|
| Transportation | Costs will vary | Costs will vary | Costs will vary |
| Total Cost of Tuition | $8538 | $6074 | $18,033.95 Cost representative of online General Education courses |
*Total cost for the OTA Program will vary depending on a variety of factors. All costs are subject to change due to purchasing agreements and curriculum updates. Tuition costs include parking, technology and student association fees.
Illustration based on the legislative budget biennially. Fees, books, memberships are subject to change.
According to Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), cost of attendance is defined as total amount of attending the program, which includes tuition and fees, books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, as well as fees associated with distance education.
Get Help to Pay for College
Over 90% of full-time undergraduate college students at Anoka Tech receive some type of financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans or work-study.
Beginning with the second semester of the program, each student will participate in a Level I Fieldwork placement. The second rotation of Level I Fieldwork will take place during the third semester. Two Level II Fieldwork Placements will take place in the fourth semester. These experiences will be assigned from a wide variety of facilities including outstate and local hospitals, extended care facilities , school districts, day treatment centers, residential facilities and other community agencies.
Enrollment in the fieldwork classes may be limited due to the availability of fieldwork sites. Possible opportunities for out of state fieldwork experiences may be arranged. Students may be expected to travel up to 275 miles due to availability of fieldwork sites.
Before starting the Level II Fieldwork , all required course work of the OTA program must be completed with a minimum grade of a "C," and the student must have a 2.0 grade point average. Level II fieldwork must be completed within 12 months of completing the required academic coursework.
Prior to these experiences, the student will:
- Complete a Health Information sheet
- Sign a Hepatitis B form
- Receive a Mantoux test (a positive result requires a chest x-ray)
- Complete a background study
- Other items as assigned
Prior to starting the Level I Fieldwork, the student will:
- Secure a current CPR for the healthcare worker card.
An individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the background study, and whose disqualification is not set aside by the Commissioner of Health, will not be permitted to participate in the fieldwork experiences.
Transportation to fieldwork facilities will be the responsibility of each student. Some of the facilities may be reached by public transportation.
Students are expected to be professional regarding their attitude, behavior, and appearance. The student will be required to get a student I.D. card and carry professional liability insurance. Student professional liability insurance are purchased by the college and paid through student course fees. Students have the option to purchase liability insurance on their own.
Minnesota state law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and/or residents at a health care facility have a background study conducted by the state.
ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the AOTA State Licensure webpage.
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